WASHINGTON—The first meeting of Round XII of the U.S. Catholic-Lutheran Dialogue was held Oct. 13-16 at St. Paul’s College in Washington. The new round continues the series of official U.S. Lutheran-Catholic dialogues initiated in 1965 and is projected to span four years of scholarship and annual meetings. The theme of this round is Ministries of Teaching.

The three-day consultation focused specifically on the Bible as an authoritative source in the teaching ministries of Lutherans and Catholics. The meeting showcased papers developed by participating scholars and theologians of both traditions, exploring various aspects of the Bible as a source of teaching authority. The presentation of each paper was followed by open discussion within the group.

“Even with so many new members, there was already a good deal of constructive dialogue at our first meeting,” said Bishop Lee A. Piché, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and Catholic co-chair. “It will be a joy to work with these participants who bring considerable gifts of insight and experience, as well as much good will.” Bishop Piché was appointed co-chair following the retirement of Bishop Richard J. Sklba, auxiliary bishop of Milwaukee, who was co-chair of Rounds X and XI.

The Rev. Lowell G. Almen, Ph.D., first secretary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) from 1987 to 2007 and co-chair of Round XII, commented on his hope that the theological exchange will prove fruitful for both communities of believers.

“This U.S. Catholic-Lutheran Dialogue historically has been noted throughout the world as a highly productive one,” Rev. Almen said. He previously served as a member of Round X and co-chair of Round XI before undertaking his responsibilities in Round XII.

Catholic scholars for this dialogue include: Gary Anderson, Ph.D., University of Notre Dame; James J. Buckley, Ph.D., Loyola University of Maryland in Baltimore; Edward P. Hahnenberg, Ph.D., John Carroll University in University Heights, Ohio; Margaret O’Gara, Ph.D., University of St. Michael’s College, Toronto, Ontario; Christian D. Washburn, Ph.D., St. Paul Seminary School of Divinity of the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota; Jesuit Father Jared Wicks, Th.D., University Heights, Ohio; and Sister of Charity Susan K. Wood, Ph.D., Marquette University, Milwaukee.

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